The Bible does not use the term “depression” as a medical diagnosis, but it describes people in deep sorrow, discouragement, and despair—psalmists, Elijah, and Paul—and does not condemn them for it. In these passages, God is near to the brokenhearted, while the way forward is found in turning to Him, receiving support from others, and holding on to hope. These passages do not allow us to conclude that depression is a sin or a sign of unbelief.
What Does the Bible Say About This?
- The psalmist speaks to his discouraged soul: why are you discouraged? Put your hope in God (Ps. 42:5–6, 11); Psalm 88:1–4 is the prayer of a person whose soul is “full of troubles.”
- In the wilderness, Elijah asked that he might die, lay down, and fell asleep; an angel gave him food and water, and he was strengthened (1 Kings 19:4–8). The text reports his words and condition but does not diagnose him.
- Paul writes that they were under such great pressure, far beyond their ability to endure, that they despaired even of life, but they placed their hope in God, who raises the dead (2 Cor. 1:8–10); afflicted but not crushed (2 Cor. 4:8–9).
- The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Ps. 34:18); anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up (Prov. 12:25).
- Application: seeking help from a doctor or psychologist does not contradict Scripture; Scripture also points to prayer, support from others, and hope in God.
The brief answer was prepared by the editorial team; Scripture quotations are from the Father’s Blessing Bible.
If this question concerns you personally
If you are thinking about harming yourself, do not go through this alone: contact your local emergency services or ask someone close to you to stay with you. If you are grieving someone who has passed away, you also need support: talk with loved ones or a pastor.
Key Scripture Passages
9 Scripture passages · Father’s Blessing Bible
Psalm 42:5–6
5 Why are you downcast, my soul, and why are you disturbed? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. 6 My soul is downcast within me; therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan, from the heights of Hermon, from Mount Zoar.
Psalm 42:11
Why are you downcast, my soul, and why are you disturbed? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
1 Kings 19:4–8
4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked for himself that he might die and said, “It is enough now, Lord; take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise, eat [and drink].” 6 And Elijah looked, and behold, there was a baked cake at his head and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord returned a second time, touched him, and said, “Arise, eat [and drink], because the journey is too great for you.” 8 And he arose, ate and drank, and strengthened by that food, he went forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.
2 Corinthians 1:8–10
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction that befell us in Asia, because we were burdened beyond measure, above our strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly close death, and He delivers us; and we have set our hope on Him that He will deliver us again.
Psalm 88:1–4
1 A song. A psalm of the sons of Korah. To the choirmaster: according to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite. O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before You. 2 Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry. 3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. 4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength,
2 Corinthians 4:8–9
8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.
Psalm 143:3–4
3 The enemy pursues my soul; he crushes my life into the ground and makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead—4 so my spirit grows faint within me, and my heart is numb within me.
